Maxie Duke Falls

GPS for waterfall: 34.75472, -83.30871

Water source: Opossum Creek

Height: Approximately 55 feet

This uppermost waterfall on Opossum Creek sits nearly side-by-side with Sid’s Falls. Because of its close proximity to Sid’s, the waterfall community opted to name this waterfall after Maxie Duke, as she and Sid Ballenger were Oconee County’s waterfall pioneers.

What is pictured above is the top 2/3 of the waterfall. The lower 1/3 is covered with downfall.

Parking: Going west on Highway 76, turn left onto Damascus Church Road. Go right at the intersection at Chattooga Belle Farms, staying on Damascus Church Road. At the stop sign, make a right. Drive for approximately .8 mile, and park in front of the gate to the old logging road. There is a church just ahead on the left, so you know if you’ve reached the church, you’ve gone too far. Parking GPS is 34.74179, -83.29897. This is the same parking and trailhead for Sid’s Falls and Sparkle Falls.

Hike: This hike follows the trail to Sid’s Falls until the last tenth of a mile or so. Follow the logging road, through the fields, and then into the woods on the narrow trail. At around 34.75495, -83.30764, the trail makes a right and begins the steep descent down to Sid’s. At around 34.75558, -83.30840, leave the trail for Sid’s and head left. The last time I was here, I left a flag on a tree at the point where you leave the trail, but don’t rely on that, as it may not be there anymore. From the point you leave the trail, it is a steep descent and bushwhack down to Maxie Duke Falls. You simply have to find your best way. It is roughly a tenth of a mile down to Maxie Duke Falls. Experience with map reading and off-trail hiking are highly recommended for anyone visiting this waterfall. The hike to both Sid’s and Maxie Duke Falls is approximately 3.2 miles round trip.